MidGrid (USA Today)

About MidGrid (USA Today)

MidGrid is the newest crossword on USA TODAY Play, the paper's puzzle site. USA TODAY launched it on 28 September 2026 as a medium-sized 9 by 9 grid, placed between Quick Cross, a four-by-four grid you can solve in a few minutes, and the full Daily Crossword. The paper describes it as a bit of a tougher solve without the heft and time commitment of the full-size puzzle. Every solver gets the same grid on the same day.

Like the main USA TODAY crossword, each MidGrid carries a title that hints at its theme. The first one, I'm Here All Week, ran beside a Daily Crossword called That's Silly; later titles include Take a Load Off, Mental Workout, A Trip to the Dairy Farm and Bug Report.

You solve in the browser: pick a square, read the clue and type the answer, switching between across and down. The puzzle page lists the last few days. Everyone can play a limited number of USA TODAY Play puzzles each week for free; a subscription adds unlimited puzzles, hints and reveals, the full archive, streak tracking and no ads. USA TODAY Play is not available in the EU.

MidGrid suits solvers who find a mini too quick and a full daily crossword too long for a coffee break.

How to play MidGrid (USA Today)

1. Open play.usatoday.com/midgrid and choose today's puzzle.
2. Read the title for a hint at the theme.
3. Select a square and type the answer to its clue.
4. Switch between across and down clues to fill crossing answers.
5. Finish the grid to log your time and keep your streak.

Screenshots

Tips

• Fill the short answers first; they give letters for the longer themed ones.
• Once you spot how the title works, use it to guess the other theme answers.
• Make a free account if you want your streak and times kept.

Questions